A veteran of Kickboxing, Boxing and Mixed Martial Arts, Ben “The Guv’nor” Edwards has called time on his 15-year career.
The Canberra based heavyweight made the announcement on social media over the weekend.
“I am officially retired from combat sports. After 15 years competing in three combat sports, in over 12 countries, it’s time to call it a day,” Edwards wrote before going into further detail.
The 34-year-old stated that for the first time since making his debut, he didn’t feel the need to compete anymore, with his head and heart it in the right place after previously having personal battles.
Edwards made a name for himself in kickboxing circles; fighting in Glory and notably winning a regional K-1 tournament title back in 2010 where he finished Paul Slowinski in the final. Earning his ticket to the Final 16, he would ultimately be stopped by Alistair Overeem.
Edwards would dabble in boxing and challenged for the vacant heavyweight Australian title. The bout against Michael Kirby in 2011 would end in a draw and in another shot, this time against Peter Graham, Edwards would lose by split decision.
By 2017 he set his sights on trying to make it into the UFC.
He won four MMA fights regionally and while the UFC contract did not come, he did get an opportunity to compete in the PFL. That would be his last bout as he lost a unanimous decision to Francimar Barroso.
Kickboxing Record: 57-10, 2 draws
Boxing Record: 5-1, 1 draw
MMA Record 4-1
Combat8 Record: 1-0
